by Dennis Dalman
There will be no excuse to sit around this winter, moping about how there’s nothing to do in St. Joseph. On the contrary, there will be plenty of recreational activities for people of every age group and just about every interest level.
St. Joseph Recreation Director Rhonda Juell shared with the Newsleaders the wide range of fun things to do this winter, starting in December.
Mandala painting
A mandala-stone painting session will take place from 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Bad Habit Brewing Co. in downtown St. Joseph.
With supervision provided, participants will do the painting on flat, round black stones, each about four-inches wide. Or, if preferred, the painting can be done on wooden plaques (with stands).
A mandala is a geometric design with repeated patterns and symbols meant to represent the universe and one’s spiritual journey. It derives from a Sanskrit word for “circle or center.” Mandalas are used in many religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, to name just three.
Participants can select a mandala pattern to paint among many options. All supplies, including paints, are covered by the cost for taking the class.
No painting skills are needed. To take the class, there is a $50-per-person fee. The class is geared to adults, although children can come along with parents or guardians.
The deadline to register for the class is Friday, Dec. 13. To sign up, call Bad Habit Brewing Company at 320-271-3108. For more information, go to mandalastoneartclasses@yahoo.com. On the subject line, write “Bad Habit.”
Kid-treat making
A “Treat-Making” event for children ages 4 and up will take place from 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 in the Multi-Purpose Room of the St. Joseph Government Center, 75 Callaway St. E.
The fee is $10. Participants will have cake-pops to decorate, as well as Rice Krispies bars. Adults should bring along a container so children can take home their special treats.
Christmas dinner
There will be a Christmas dinner for senior citizens, along with bingo, inside the St. Joseph Fire Hall starting at noon, Saturday, Dec. 14.
The cost is $10 person for the meal of chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans, which will be catered by Kay’s Kitchen in St. Joseph.
Pickleball
In conjunction with St. Cloud Area School District 742, games of pickleball are being offered at Kennedy Elementary School throughout the winter season. (The games started on Oct. 21.)
Pickleball will be played from 6-9 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday; and from 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday and Sunday.
All people – no matter their skill levels – are welcome to play. The cost is $2 per person on each playing date.
Senior yoga
A good way to relax and strengthen one’s body at the same time is to take up the practice of yoga.
Yoga classes are offered every Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Heritage Hall, which is the building addition on the east side of the Catholic church in downtown St. Joseph.
Yoga can increase one’s flexibility, balance and range of motion while moving one’s body through an entire range of seated and standing yoga poses. Optional chair support will provide extra stability if needed.
To register, call 320-255-7245.
Senior fitness
Free “Senior Enhanced Fitness” sessions are taking place every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Heritage Hall, the east side of the Catholic church in downtown St. Joseph.
Senior group
Seniors can gather to play games, socialize and have an all-around fun time from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the St. Joseph Fire Hall.
Seniors can play card games (like 500) and/or other games as they enjoy interactions and lively conversations.
Enhanced fitness
Enhanced fitness sessions for seniors take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Heritage Hall, the eastern addition on the Catholic church.
The sessions are designed to improve overall functional fitness and the general mental-emotional well-being of older adults. All abilities are welcome.
To register, call 255-7245.
Free bingo
Starting Jan. 3, there will be free bingo sessions every Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. through March at the St. Joseph Government Center.
Random prizes will be given to the players. Everyone is welcomed – families, friends and anybody else. People may bring snacks. Anyone who would like to donate prizes can drop them off at the Government Center.
Snowshoeing
People who enjoy snowshoeing can meet for a pleasant snowy trek at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at St. Joseph’s Klinefelter Park, 1000 Dale St. E.
There will also be snowshoeing events at other parks in the area. For more information, call Rhonda Juell at 320-250-0967.
This is a mandala stone being painted by a participant at a previous mandala painting event.
